Description

The new location for the Diamond Nationals was the Sheraton of Bloomington which was buzzing all weekend with the yells of competitors. The Friday night Superfight eliminations started right at 3 pm. The early start was needed since the turnout in both Superfight weight classes were good. Women’s team fighting had an outstanding showing with about 6 teams. The Saturday night show started with the National Anthem by Devon Worley. First up was the World Demo teams with Team Infinity versus Team AKA. Team AKA came out on top. The men’s sparring grand championship pitted teammates Alex Lane Against Greg Betlach. This was definitely a battle, with Alex Lane winning 5-2. In the 13 and under youth forms Tiffany Larsen beat out all to win. Ryan Wells continued his winning ways by taking the 13 under Weapons title. Rudy Reynon, won the judges over with wicked speed and spin flips landing in the splits to take both the Forms and the Weapons Grands in his last year before entering the adult divisions. Caitlin Dechelle blew away the competition to win her first grand title and diamond ring in her first major tournament as an adult. Josh Kahan won his first diamond ring also. Kalman Csoka was back with his double sword to collect his second Diamond ring in two years. For the superfight finals, Lemon challenged Firouzi for the lightweight title. Elias came out on top to win his first Superfight title with a 5-3 score. Next were the Heavyweights Brian Ruth vs Ross Levine. Ruth came out on top and earned the Superfight title. Also included are highlights from the Superfight eliminations, Women’s and Men’s Team Sparring and Forms and Weapons Eliminations. Who knows we might have caught you on tape!